Ms. M's Tales of a Teacher: My Personal Teacher Blog

Greetings teacher friends! It's great to have you back for this blog post! This month, inSpiration Sunday has been centered around the concept of motivation. I've been reading, listening about, and discussing this topic lately, which is why I wanted to reflect on it here.  For the longest time, I wanted to learn how I can motivate the leadership teams I belong to and lead. I have been eager to learn how I can show them the changes and vision I see, and why it would benefit the group as well the goals we have. I want to be the kind of leader that helps others on the team feel valued, appreciated, and want to work.  The podcasts I've been listening to by John Maxwell (The Leader Who Motivates) have changed the way I view motivation. I've also been learning a lot in my Literacy Leadership Mentorship as we read the book High Road Leadership by John. I see that leaders first have to be motivated themselves in order to influence others. It's important as leaders we find...

 Greetings teacher friends! Welcome to another week of my blog. I'm very excited to share my thoughts on the ideas posted on inSpiration Sunday about growth and goals.  My last few weekly quotes have been focused on growth vs. goals. I admit that this idea was new to me until I heard John Maxwell's podcast. I always thought that having goals was not only natural, but the sign of a strong leader who is ambitious and inspirational. I also thought that achieving goals was always, well, the goal! I learned through the podcast that goals can actually stunt our growth as a leader because it symbolizes and end. As leaders, our work is never done, and we are always seeking growth. Often this can appear like we want to achieve goals, but it's growth that makes the difference. Once I heard that, it all clicked for me. Whenever people ask(ed) me "Why do you do get involved in different groups, and always look for the 'next thing' to do?" I realized that it's not...

 Greetings everyone! Welcome back to another school year with my blog! I'm so happy you are here! I'm ready to spend time with you this school year through my blog. As I always share, I am fairly new at writing blogs, and my main goal for this one is to help teachers with all different levels of experience feel seen, heard, valued, understood, and supported. If my blog helps even just one person feel lifted and motivated, then it's purpose has been justified.  This month I shared a quote by Leroy Iams: "Never let go of a dream until you're ready to wake up and make it happen."  What is your dream teacher friends? What do you hope for yourself as an educator? Perhaps your dream is solely focused on the work you do in the classroom. For others, it may be something bigger for themselves; going back for an advanced degree, learning something new, refining a craft or skill... the possibilities are endless, and they are unique to you. The important thing is that we ...

  Welcome back after two weeks of special posts for very special events! I hope you had an amazing Teacher Appreciation Week. We know that showing respect and appreciation for educators is beyond a "one-week" event. In the spirit of appreciating each other, I thought about our profession thoughtfully and found that I view our roles as two different things: mirrors and windows. So let's think about ourselves from both a mirror and a window. Pause reading for a minute and think about what those terms mean to you. What words come to mind? Which one do you resonate with, and which one do you think you mimic How can we be both a window and a mirror? As educators, we are very often a mirror for our students. I feel we naturally fell into this role when we chose to be a teacher. We show them what they are doing right, and where they made their mistakes. We model for them what our expectations are, and how to accomplish the challenging tasks that teach us the most.  Students see ...

 Welcome back teacher friends to another week of inSpiration! I'm glad you're here and I'm very excited to share some insight with you t his week. My message this week is and was not my original thought that popped into my head. I'd like to take this moment to thank Bishop Michael at my parish for providing me with the core idea to start my blog this week.  When I heard his message las week, I instantly wanted to take out my notes and start writing because while the message (of course,) had a spiritual overtone, I automatically connected the theme to leadership and teaching!   I often hear different quotes and phrases describing what makes a good leader, what makes a great one, and what makes an excellent leader. Most of the time these quotes come from the great John Maxwell . After all he is the guru on all things leadership. Over time, through workshops, books, observations, and my own experiences, I've seen all different kinds of leaders and leadership styles. I...

 Greetings fellow teacher friends! Welcome to another week of reflection and energizing our teacher spirits! I want to start off by apologizing for the absence of last week's post. It was scheduled to go out, however it ended up in "drafts" and part of it was missing. I figured, let's not test the "secret gnomes" that live inside our computers and start fresh this week with a deeper dive into my inSpiration Sunday.  As teacher leaders, we know that leadership does not look the same for everyone. Let's think about the different types of leaders we see. Some leaders instinctively are the first to make a suggestion for an idea. Other leaders are the first to leap into a task that needs to be completed, but doesn't necessarily need to talk a lot or give suggestions to others. Still other leaders find observing and asking questions the key to their success. This way, they are able to challenge others to think "outside the box" or highlight somet...

Happy spring everyone! Time is flying by this school year, that's for sure! I hope everyone who had Spring Break had a chance to catch their breath, regroup, and enjoy it! Taking this time to regroup is not only well deserved but much needed.  As we enter deeper into spring and the latter half of the year,  let's continue our journey of being teacher leaders and think how we can grow as leaders. Those who know me well know that I am a fan of John Maxwell. He is an expert on leadership and I highly suggest if you don't know him to "go down the rabbit hole" with me and feel inspired. You can visit his website here: Maxwell Leadership I want to reflect on a quote I recently read by him “A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.”   Many people (not just teachers,) believe they have to have a title or special position to lead and make a difference. For the longest time I too equated leadership with titles and positions, especiall...

Welcome back teacher friends! I am glad to be back from my break since mid-March! It seems like it went by fast yet a lot of time has passed.  I always share with other educators how important and relevant it is to take breaks, and I want to lead by example. Sure, I missed sharing my thoughts with you, but I am feeling refreshed and energized!  Last week I journeyed to San Antonio for the 2024 CEC Convention. This was my first time attending and presenting, and it did not disappoint! I was excited to experience a new city, meet all the great people that have appeared on my "Brady Bunch" screens for the past few months, and see as many details of the convention as possible.   As you’d probably expect, it was the networking and conversations that dominated the learning atmosphere of the convention. I was awe struck by the size of the Expo Hall and how many different vendors were there.  I particularly enjoyed meeting vendors from different companies from all over ...

Greetings fellow educators! I am feeling energized and motivated from a great weekend spent with my fellow County and State teachers of the year. We had a statewide meeting where we discussed what our passion projects are, and how we can work together to start making them come to life. It was also a time for reflection, sharing, and fun- which we all need with our colleagues! This time inspired me to think of I can help continue the momentum going after the meeting. I've learned that having an initial meeting to brainstorm is the most exciting part, but the most crucial is what happens right after that meeting to keep everyone focused and starting the work to reach the goals of passion projects.  When I asked myself how I could get started and point everyone in the right direction, I remembered something I learned from  a friend of mine, Jeanne (one of my state teacher of the year friends). We should not ask our students what they want to be when they grow up, but rather what ...

Hello fellow teacher friends! Who is fired up from the KDP Delta Rho Teacher Leadership Development Summit this weekend? I know I am! Every moment was filled with high energy, enthusiasm, and words of wisdom from those who have experience being teachers, and leaders, and I learned so much from the amazing presenters, panelists, and keynotes we had.  Teacher Leadership... two words mean so much! I still feel that there isn't an exact definition, although each time I attend the KDP Delta Rho Summit, I learn more how I personally shape the definition for myself. During the summit we unpacked what it means to be a teacher leader, what qualities leaders in general have, and how to continue to F.E.E.D the teacher leader in ourselves (and others!) Just when I think I know enough about this topic, I continue to learn more. From what I learned yesterday, other great teacher leaders agree lifelong learning plays a large part of who we are as teacher leaders. It's one of the keys to effec...

Greetings fellow teacher leaders! I can't believe I'm saying this but...w e are one week away from the KDP, Delta Rho, Teacher Leadership Development Summit on 2/24/24. If you haven't heard by now, it is a free virtual summit open to all educators everywhere! Please visit my social media for information, or reach out to me! There’s still time to register, so grab all your teacher besties and sign up!  Our theme this year is “Leaders are hungry... F.E.E.D the teacher leader in you!” Each week we have broken down F.E.E.D to get excited to hear our amazing presenters and keynote speakers that will give us the fuel we need to confidently lead in our classrooms, schools, and beyond! With one week left, we only have one last concept to unpack!  So far we talked about “F”- Foundations. Discovering our own definition for teacher leadership is the foundation for growing as a teacher leader, and embracing the role. We then discussed “E”- Engagement, and how it is all about what yo...

Welcome to another week of inSpiration and thinking my friends! Are you ready to elevate yourself as a teacher leader? I know I am... and it's something I'm always looking to do. For me, I can't get enough of personal and professional growth. It's what keeps me both grounded yet motivated to reach for the stars. While some may tell me I take on too much and I need to learn "the balance," others say "let me join you!" I agree that I need to take some time for me and rest, no doubt, but I think if my aspirations are my weakest part of me, then, well, overall I'm doing just fine!  I'm excited that in just two weeks my chapter of KDP will be hosting our Teacher Leadership Development Summit for the second time!  Our theme this year is “Leaders are hungry... F.E.E.D the teacher leader in you!” Each week we have, and will continue to break down F.E.E.D and get excited to hear our amazing presenters and keynote speakers that will give us the fuel we...

Greetings everyone and welcome to my blog this week! I'm so glad you're here for our mini-series leading up to a great event at the end of the month: the KDP, Delta Rho Teacher Leadership Development Summit on 2/24/24. It is a free virtual summit open to all educators everywhere! Please visit my social media for information, or reach out to me! Our theme this year is “Leaders are hungry... F.E.E.D the teacher leader in you!” Each week we will break down F.E.E.D and get excited to hear our amazing presenters and keynote speakers that will give us the fuel we need to confidently lead in our classrooms, schools, and beyond! Last week we talked about “F”- foundations. Discovering our own definition for teacher leadership is the foundation for growing as a teacher leader, and embracing the role. Foundational skills also include knowing yourself as a leader, and believing you are one. Self-reflection, networking and professional learning are great ways to establish your foundation t...

Welcome to a new week teacher friends! I am very excited for the next few weeks. This week starts  an introduction mini-series to lead up to the KDP Teacher Leadership Development Summit on 2/24/24. I am particularly excited not just because this is our second annual summit, but because we have an amazing theme selected just for you! Also this: our summit is virtual and free for all so spread the word!  Please visit my social media for information, or reach out to me! So on to our theme...Our theme this year is “Leaders are hungry... F.E.E.D the teacher leader in you!” Each week we will break down F.E.E.D and get excited to hear our amazing presenters and keynote speakers at the summit to give us the fuel we need to confidently lead in our classrooms, schools, and beyond! What is F.E.E.D? F- foundations, E- engagement, E-elevate, D- discover.  Let’s start with “F”- foundations. This is open ended and can contain so many possibilities! When I think of foundations, what co...

 Welcome back friends! I hope you're feeling excited and energized from your week. If you're not, and you're looking for some inspiration, have no fear, you're in the right place because I have a treat for you this week. As I was thinking about what to share with all of you, I realized I had my idea with me right from the start. Whenever I'm feeling tired, overwhelmed and disorganized, or just need a pick-me-up. I turn to my trusted four "R's."  This week is a great time to embrace the four “R’s” to help us continue through the new year and work on our challenges and boost our energy. In order to continue to grow as teachers (and leaders!) it’s important to: reflect, reset, reignite, and reframe . Each of these helps us to be in the right mindset to think of where we are in our learning journey, and what our goals are. Each one affects the other and together they can make a difference to us as teachers. Reflect: Even when we don’t think we are, educat...